IVY OAK – Care Guide Silk | Timeless Styles, Made to Last

SILK

SILK

'NATURALLY DELICATE, NATURALLY STRONG. AS ONE OF THE MOST LUXURIOUS FIBRES IN THE WORLD, SILK NEEDS SPECIAL CARE TO STAY FLUID AND SOFT.'

Sericulture - the cultivation of silkworms - has been around for thousands of years. The cocoons spun by silkworms are collected, and the fibres spun into a thread. It is the finest and most durable natural fibre in the world. The shimmer of silk is due to the fibre structure that reflects light. While silk looks fluid and delicate, the material is robust and once actually served to make parachutes. It does not conduct heat, so that silk garments feel cool in summer and warm in winter.

CARE

  • Always check the instructions on the care label first – especially for silk, professional cleaning is often the only recommended option.

  • Silk garments should not be washed after every use. Instead, let the garments air out. Try to avoid direct sunlight, as this can affect the colour of the garments.

  • We recommend washing your silk garments cold, using the delicate handwash or wool cycle of your machine. Silk cannot withstand warm temperatures - even 30° Celsius can be too hot. You should select a low-speed cycle (maximum 600 rpm). Use only a small amount of mild detergent and ideally a delicates bag.

  • If washing by hand, be careful not to damage your garment. Gently wash them in lukewarm water using a mild detergent for delicates. Do not rub the silk as this will distort fibres, instead very gently swish them in the water. Do not soak the garment as this can cause colour pigments to escape. After washing, rinse the garment and avoid stretching it while wet or wringing it out.

  • Avoid tumble drying silk or drying in direct sunlight as it risks damaging the fabric. We recommend to spread the garment out on a cloth or towel to absorb moisture and let the garments air-dry.

  • When ironing silk items, iron inside out and select the lowest temperature of your iron, with a maximum of 120°-150° Celsius. Do not press the seams.

  • Be extra careful with liquids: when cleaning, water and steam can cause stains, while wearing perfume can also affect the fabric colour.